An Illustrated Dictionary of Words used in Art and Archaeology / Explaining terms frequently used in works on architecture, arms, bronzes, Christian art, colour, costume, decoration, devices, emblems, heraldry, lace, personal ornaments, pottery, painting, sculpture, &c., with their derivations.

by John W. Mollett

Secretarium, Chr. (secretum, secret). A sacristy (not a tabernacle, as maintained by some authors) in the apse, at the side of the altar. In the ancient basilicas there were two such recesses, one on each side of the altar.

Sectilis. (See Pavimentum.)

Securicula (diminutive of securis). In Architecture, a dove-tail mortise.

Securis, R. (seco, to cut). An axe or hatchet of any kind; but esp. that borne by the lictors in the Fasces. (See Dolabra, Bipennis, Fascis, &c.)

Securis Dannica, Med. (See Bipennis.)

Secutores, R. Gladiators appointed to fight with the Retiarii (whom they were constantly pursuing round the circus); or those who replaced others killed were so called.

Sedes, Sedile (dimin. sedicula). Any kind of seat.

Sedilia. (1) R. The rows of seats in the amphitheatre. (2) Chr. In a Catholic church, the stone seats on the south side of the altar, for the use of the clergy in the intervals of the services.

Segestrium, R. (lit. of straw). A coarse wrapper made of skins or straw-matting.

Segmenta, R. (seco, to cut off). Strips of rich cloth or tissues of gold or silver worn as a border to the dresses of wealthy Roman ladies.